Australia will host the annual World Aquaculture 2023 (WA2023) from May 29 to June 1, 2023 at the Darwin Convention Center. This is the first World Aquaculture conference to be hosted by Australia since 2014.
Darwin is close to the expanding Australian industry and around 89% of the world’s aquaculture major production regions in Asia. With the Australian government recently recognizing the need to support a strong future for Australian aquaculture, WA2023 is a timely event to bring international and national industry representatives, scientists, sector analysts, government officials, educators, and policymakers to present, exchange ideas and progress sustainable industry development.
Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), the Australian peak-body representing the commercial seafood industry, said they are excited to be hosting the event. “We are thrilled to welcome the World Aquaculture 2023 conference to Australia,” SIA CEO, Veronica Papacosta, said. “Australia’s aquaculture sector has maintained steady growth over the past few years, with the sector’s GVP growing 10% in 2019−20. This growth can be largely attributed to Tasmania’s growing Atlantic salmon industry, which is now worth 35% of national fisheries and aquaculture GVP. Australia’s aquaculture sector has a bright future as it continues to set international benchmarks by providing fresh, high-quality, sustainable seafood year-round while meeting and exceeding regulatory requirements. We look forward to hosting national and international delegates in Darwin, and for them to experience our great Australian seafood first-hand.”
Tourism Australia managing director, Phillipa Harrison, said Tourism Australia is excited to be supporting the World Aquaculture Conference 2023 in Darwin through its Business Events Bid Fund Program. “We congratulate the Northern Territory on its successful bid to host this conference, which has the potential to deliver significant benefits,” Harrison said. “Attracting events, like this, is helping generate global attention for Australia’s world-class business events offering while also delivering short and long term benefits to our tourism industry and economy more broadly.”
Australia’s aquaculture production value increased by 10% in 2019-20 to AUD$1.6 billion, and employed 7,000 people, with key sectors including salmonids, tuna, prawns, oysters, barramundi and pearls, and many other species.
For more information on this event www.was.org or contact apcsec@was.org.
